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Why get an appraisal?

Acquiring an an appraisal is a sound way to protect your assests. Most people consider protecting the contents of their home or apparment contents by purchasing a Fine Arts policy.

Another important use of an appraisal is for Estate Planning. Do you have a large family and a large collection of art or antiques? In order to prevent discord, getting an appraisal during your life time will help your family sort your treasures more easily. Here is an interesting article from Estateplanning,com.

How Can I Prevent My Children from Fighting Over My Estate After I Die?

You probably own some items of real or sentimental value (jewelry, antiques, art, heirlooms, furniture, clothing, etc.) that you want a certain child, grandchild, special friend, relative, or organization to have after you die.

Or perhaps you simply want to provide an orderly way for your belongings to be divided among your heirs after you're gone. We've all heard stories about fighting over Grandma's piano or china. The damage is often so deep that sisters don't speak to each other for the rest of their lives!

Here are some suggestions that can help you prevent this from happening in your family:

Make A Special Gifts List: If you have a living trust, you can make a list of these special gifts and whom you want to have them. Date the list, have it notarized (or witnessed - your attorney can tell you which is appropriate in your state) and keep it with your trust document. If you change your mind, just make a new list and have it notarized. To prevent disagreements about your intentions, be very specific. If your list is long, make a separate list for each person. If your estate is sizeable or if a gift is of substantial value, have your attorney review your list to resolve potential tax issues.

If you have a will, your special bequests will be listed on a codicil prepared by your attorney. If you want to make a change, your attorney will need to prepare a new codicil. (There's one often overlooked advantage of having a living trust.)

Ask What They Want: Ask your children and others if there is something of yours they would like to have. There may be an item that has special meaning to someone that you aren't even aware of. Wouldn't it be nice to know that?

Make Gifts Now: Do this especially if it is something that you no longer need, or if you are concerned there might be a problem later on.

Hold a Family "Sale": Do thiswhile you can provide information and act as referee. Gather your kids some weekend or holiday and have them take turns selecting items they want. If one item proves popular, let them bid against each other or make trades. Then write up a list for each person. What doesn't "sell" to family members can be sold in an estate sale after you die and the proceeds divvied up. (If your family is reluctant to do this, tell them you'll leave instructions for everything to be sold after you die.)

Write a Description: This is especially useful if it has sentimental value or is a family heirloom. How else will they know this turkey platter belonged to your favorite Aunt Jessie and that one was picked up at a garage sale?! If the item is large enough, label it.